Just Get Started

I believe one of the biggest things that hold people back from reaching their goals is their fear to start. Many people do not start because they do not know where to begin or they feel like they are inadequately prepared. Maybe they’ve compared themselves with their peers or fitness gurus on social media who seem to have it all together and have a lot of knowledge in their field. I can relate to this most of all—I’m a perfectionist and I can get caught up in thinking I have to have every step planned out before I can begin something. Many times I put off doing things just because I know it won’t be perfect the first time I do it. But you cannot improve on something you do not to start with. In order to finish a marathon, you must first take a step.

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with being prepared—it’s absolutely necessary to count the costs of something you want to achieve—but you do not have to reach your goal the first time you try. Allow yourself to figure it out—you will learn so much more this way. Yes, eating healthy and working out consistently do take some planning ahead. But you do not have to have everything figured out to get started. Health and fitness are different for every person, so allow yourself some time to get to know your body, how you respond to various foods and workout routines, and find what works best for you. Your dreams aren’t going to achieve themselves. You do not have to have it all figured out in order to begin, so stop putting it off and just get started.

>> Here are some changes to help you get started:

Drink water every morning – I’m sure you’ve heard you should drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water each day. If you’re only used to getting 30-40 ounces of water a day, that sounds pretty daunting. One easy way to get 8-10 more ounces a day is to place a glass of water on your night stand or by your bed each night and to drink it right when you wake up in the morning, whether you’re thirsty or not. Not only will this help you get closer to your goal of drinking half your body weight in ounces, but it will help you wake up and feel more refreshed in the morning!

Move for 5 minutes – and if you’re already active, move for 5 more! A brisk walk, jumping jacks, planks, or pushups are good ways to get your blood flowing and create healthier habits.

Meal prep – an hour a week can make a huge difference in reaching your goals and it doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Quick and easy meals to make ahead of time for the week include overnight oats, quinoa, rice, seasoned beans or lentils, soup, pasta salad, grilled/baked chicken, or stir fry.

On-the-go options – Having healthy snacks in my car is something that helps me avoid processed snacks and fast food. Snacks like trail mix, dried fruit, jerky, apples, homemade popcorn, roasted chickpeas, homemade muffins, granola, Lara bars, etc. are all good options when you’re short on time and need something to hold you over until you can get a nutritious meal.

Each of these are small, sustainable steps that can set you on the path to your health and fitness goals. But they aren’t going to do anything for you if you don’t get started. So make your mind up that you are going to achieve your goals and just get started, you’ll be amazed with what YOU can do!!

About Raegan

I began working at Just Get Fit in June 2017 and have since then began FitKids, exercise and just eat fit healthy eating classes for kids, as well as Mahlerfit, a workout community for teen and pre-teen girls. I’m passionate about health and nutrition because I’ve seen the impact it has had on my own quality of life. Growing up, I danced for ten years and ran track and cross country during my junior and senior years in high school. I love running and am planning on continuing my running career in the future. Through athletics and my own upbringing, I’ve learned the value of exercise and healthy eating and am eager to share it with others/inspire others to live a healthier life!